Woman Jailed for 23 Years After Brutal Neck Stabbing with Broken Bottle
A vile attack left a woman with permanent vocal damage after being stabbed in the neck with a broken glass bottle. Now, 45-year-old Shelley Hill has been locked up for 23 years for attempted murder.
Attack Leaves Victim With Lasting Vocal Damage
The horrific assault took place on the evening of April 28 on Yeoman Street, leicester/" title="Leicester" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Leicester. Hill, once from Manitoba Road, was found guilty in October at Leicester Crown Court. She was sentenced this Thursday to 23 years behind bars and will face a further three years on licence after release.
The victim, in her 40s, spent four weeks in hospital recovering. Six months on, she still suffers from severe vocal palsy—paralysis of her left vocal cord.
“I can’t talk more than a whisper without pain and strain. I’m embarrassed by how I sound and worry what people think,” the victim revealed. “The doctors have told me my vocal palsy is permanent.”
She also suffers frequent nightmares, haunted by stabbing dreams that jolt her awake. “What has happened to me has been awful,” she added.
CCTV Footage Leads to Quick Arrest
Police rushed to the scene shortly after 6pm following a call from East Midlands Ambulance Service. The victim and Hill had known each other for months through a mutual acquaintance. During a confrontation in a car park, Hill snapped, grabbed a bottle from the victim, smashed it, and stabbed her in the neck before fleeing.
CCTV footage captured the attack and led to Hill’s arrest two days later on April 30. She initially pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm but denied attempted murder. The evidence proved otherwise.
Investigation Team Hails Victim’s Bravery
Detective Constable Jo Turnbull praised the victim’s courage throughout the trial. “She has struggled to come to terms with her injuries but showed incredible bravery. I hope this sentence helps her move forward,” she said.
Turnbull also thanked the police and staff involved in bringing Hill to justice. “From the initial response to the court hearing, everyone played their part in making sure justice was served.”
